Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a surround sound system including
the same, and more particularly to a display device connected with a plurality of
speakers and a surround sound system including the same.
Background Art
[0002] Recently, there are increased needs that general users using television to listen
to audio content having excellent sounds, as audio technologies have been developed
as well as video technologies.
[0003] Accordingly, a user may connect several speakers with a TV, and the TV may provide
a stereophonic sound for the user through an internal speaker and the several speakers
connected with the TV. In other words, the TV may not only output a sound through
at least one channel of the internal speaker, but also output a sound through at least
one channel of an external speaker, thereby providing the sense of realism for the
user.
[0004] For example, the TV may output a front-left sound and a front-right sound through
the internal speaker, and may output a rear-left sound and a rear-right sound through
the external sound, thereby providing four channels.
[0005] Meanwhile, when the level of any one of a sound output through the internal speaker
and a sound output through the external speaker is excessively greater than or smaller
than the level of a remaining one, the stereoscopic sound effect may be degraded.
[0006] In addition, when a plurality of external speakers connected with the TV are mutually
different models or have mutually different environments, the balance between the
external speakers is not maintained, so it is difficult to provide the optimal surround
effect.
[0007] Accordingly, to provide the optimal sound effect for the user, the balance between
the internal speaker of the TV and the external speaker and the balance between external
speakers may need to be adjusted.
Disclosure
Technical Problem
[0008] The present disclosure is to provide a display device, capable of adjusting the balance
between an internal speaker of the display device and an external speaker connected
with the display device, and a surround sound system including the same.
[0009] The present disclosure is to provide a display device, capable of adjusting balance
between a plurality of external speakers when a plurality of external speakers are
connected with the display device, and a surround sound system including the same.
[0010] The present disclosure is to provide a display device, capable of adjusting speaker
balance and surround balance by adjusting the output volume of an external speaker,
and a surround sound system including the same.
[0011] The present disclosure is to provide a display device, capable of adjusting speaker
balance or surround balance by applying a gain to a PCM signal transmitted to an external
speaker, and a surround sound system including the same.
Technical Solution
[0012] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a
display, an audio output unit configured to output a sound, a wireless communication
unit connected with at least one external speaker, and a controller configured to
adjust speaker balance between the sound output from the audio output unit and a sound
output from the external speaker.
[0013] The controller is configured to adjust the speaker balance by adjusting an output
volume of the external speaker.
[0014] The controller is configured to transmit, to the external speaker, a signal for adjusting
the output volume to be lowered, when adjusting the speaker balance such that a level
of the sound output from the audio output unit is greater than a level of the sound
output from the external speaker, and transmit, to the external speaker, a signal
for adjusting the output volume to be raised, when adjusting the speaker balance such
that the level of the sound output from the audio output unit is less than the level
of the sound output from the external speaker.
[0015] The controller is configured to adjust the speaker balance by adjusting a pulse code
modulation (PCM) signal transmitted to the external speaker.
[0016] The controller is configured to adjust the speaker balance by applying a gain to
the PCM signal.
[0017] The controller is configured to adjust the speaker balance by adjusting the PCM signal
transmitted to the external speaker, when a setting volume of the external speaker
is not adjustable.
[0018] The controller is configured to control the display to display a speaker balance
adjusting icon for adjusting the speaker balance.
[0019] The controller is configured to adjust a surround balance between a plurality of
external speakers when the plurality of external speakers are connected through the
wireless communication unit.
[0020] The controller is configured to control the display to display a surround balance
adjusting icon for adjusting the surround balance.
[0021] The controller is configured to adjust the surround balance when the plurality of
external speakers are different from each other in maximum power.
[0022] The controller is configured to adjust the surround balance by adjusting a gain of
a PCM signal of at least one of the plurality of external speakers.
[0023] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises
a storage to store a volume table in which the setting volume, a PCM control volume
based on the setting volume, and a PCM gain are mapped to each other.
[0024] The controller is configured to store the volume table differently depending on a
type of the external speaker.
[0025] The controller is configured to correct a PCM signal transmitted to the external
speaker such that an output volume of the external speaker is equal to or less than
a maximum volume, when adjusting the PCM signal transmitted to the external speaker.
[0026] A surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising
a plurality of external speakers, and a display device connected with the plurality
of external speakers, wherein the display device includes a display, an audio output
unit configured to output a sound, and a controller configured to adjust a speaker
balance between the sound output from the audio output unit and a sound output from
the external speaker.
Advantageous Effects
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may feel the optimal
surround effect by properly adjusting the level of the sound output from the internal
speaker and the level of the sound output from the external speaker.
[0028] In addition, the optimal surround effect may be provided regardless of the types
and the installation environments of the external speakers.
[0029] In addition, the output volume of the external speaker may be adjusted to minimize
the sound distortion and the degradation of the sound quality and to adjust the speaker
balance or the surround balance.
[0030] In addition, the gain is applied to the PCM signal to adjust the level of the sound
output from the external speaker even under the situation that the output volume of
the external speaker is not adjusted, thereby adjusting the speaker balance or the
sound balance.
Description of Drawings
[0031]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a remote control device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 is a view of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a surround sound system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the controller
illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the balance controller
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a display device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the balance adjusting screen displayed by the display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating that the display device adjusts the device volume of
the external speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a method for applying a PCM signal gain in the display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12A is a view illustrating a volume table to describe the method that the display
device adjusts the sound level of the external speaker, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12B is a view illustrating a PCM curve applied to the display device, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12C is a view illustrating a method that the display device corrects the PCM
curve, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Best Mode
[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the present disclosure will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit"
for components used in the description below are assigned or mixed in consideration
of easiness in writing the specification and do not have distinctive meanings or roles
by themselves.
[0033] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Referring to Fig. 1, a display device 100 can include a broadcast reception unit
130, an external device interface unit 135, a storage 140, a user input interface
unit 150, a controller 170, a wireless communication unit 173, a voice acquisition
unit 175, a display 180, an audio output unit 185, and a power supply unit 190.
[0035] The broadcast reception unit 130 can include a tuner 131, a demodulation unit 132,
and a network interface unit 133.
[0036] The tuner 131 can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection
command. The tuner 131 can receive broadcast signals for the selected specific broadcast
channel.
[0037] The demodulation unit 132 can divide the received broadcast signals into video signals,
audio signals, and broadcast program related data signals and restore the divided
video signals, audio signals, and data signals to an output available form.
[0038] The network interface unit 133 can provide an interface for connecting the display
device 100 to a wired/wireless network including internet network. The network interface
unit 133 can transmit or receive data to or from another user or another electronic
device through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network.
[0039] The network interface unit 133 can access a predetermined webpage through an accessed
network or another network linked to the accessed network. That is, it can transmit
or receive data to or from a corresponding server by accessing a predetermined webpage
through network.
[0040] Then, the network interface unit 133 can receive contents or data provided from a
content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit 133 can
receive contents such as movies, advertisements, games, VODs, and broadcast signals,
which are provided from a content provider or a network provider, through network
and information relating thereto.
[0041] Additionally, the network interface unit 133 can receive firmware update information
and update files provided from a network operator and transmit data to an internet
or content provider or a network operator.
[0042] The network interface unit 133 can select and receive a desired application among
applications open to the air, through network.
[0043] The external device interface unit 135 can receive an application or an application
list in an adjacent external device and deliver it to the controller 170 or the storage
140.
[0044] The external device interface 135 can provide a connection path between the display
device 100 and an external device. The external device interface 135 can receive at
least one of image and audio outputted from an external device that is wirelessly
or wiredly connected to the display device 100 and deliver it to the control unit.
The external device interface unit 135 can include a plurality of external input terminals.
The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a component terminal.
[0045] An image signal of an external device inputted through the external device interface
unit 135 can be outputted through the display 180. A sound signal of an external device
inputted through the external device interface unit 135 can be outputted through the
audio output unit 185.
[0046] An external device connectable to the external device interface unit 130 can be one
of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone,
a PC, a USB Memory, and a home theater system but this is just exemplary.
[0047] Additionally, some content data stored in the display device 100 can be transmitted
to a user or an electronic device, which is selected from other users or other electronic
devices pre-registered in the display device 100.
[0048] The storage 140 can store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals stored by
a program in order for each signal processing and control in the controller 170.
[0049] Additionally, the storage 140 can perform a function for temporarily store image,
voice, or data signals outputted from the external device interface unit 135 or the
network interface unit 133 and can store information on a predetermined image through
a channel memory function.
[0050] The storage 140 can store an application or an application list inputted from the
external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit 133.
[0051] The display device 100 can play content files (for example, video files, still image
files, music files, document files, application files, and so on) stored in the storage
140 and provide them to a user.
[0052] The user input interface unit 150 can deliver signals inputted from a user to the
controller 170 or deliver signals from the controller 170 to a user. For example,
the user input interface unit 150 can receive or process control signals such as power
on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device 200 or
transmit control signals from the controller 170 to the remote control device 200
according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB),
ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF), and IR.
[0053] Additionally, the user input interface unit 150 can deliver, to the controller 170,
control signals inputted from local keys (not shown) such as a power key, a channel
key, a volume key, and a setting key.
[0054] Image signals that are image-processed in the controller 170 can be inputted to the
display 180 and displayed as an image corresponding to corresponding image signals.
Additionally, image signals that are image-processed in the controller 170 can be
inputted to an external output device through the external device interface unit 135.
[0055] Voice signals processed in the controller 170 can be outputted to the audio output
unit 185. Additionally, voice signals processed in the controller 170 can be inputted
to an external output device through the external device interface unit 135.
[0056] Besides that, the control module 170 can control overall operations in the display
device 100.
[0057] Additionally, the controller 170 can control the display device 100 by a user command
or internal program inputted through the user input interface unit 150 and download
a desired application or application list into the display device 100 in access to
network.
[0058] The controller 170 can output channel information selected by a user together with
processed image or voice signals through the display 180 or the audio output unit
185.
[0059] Additionally, according to an external device image playback command received through
the user input interface unit 150, the controller 170 can output image signals or
voice signals of an external device such as a camera or a camcorder, which are inputted
through the external device interface unit 135, through the display 180 or the audio
output unit 185.
[0060] Moreover, the controller 170 can control the display 180 to display images and control
broadcast images inputted through the tuner 131, external input images inputted through
the external device interface unit 135, images inputted through the network interface
unit, or images stored in the storage 140 to be displayed on the display 180. In this
case, an image displayed on the display 180 can be a still image or video and also
can be a 2D image or a 3D image.
[0061] Additionally, the controller 170 can play content stored in the display device 100,
received broadcast content, and external input content inputted from the outside,
and the content can be in various formats such as broadcast images, external input
images, audio files, still images, accessed web screens, and document files.
[0062] Moreover, the wireless communication unit 173 can perform a wired or wireless communication
with an external electronic device. The wireless communication unit 173 can perform
short-range communication with an external device. For this, the wireless communication
unit 173 can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth
™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband
(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct,
and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies. The wireless communication unit
173 can support wireless communication between the display device 100 and a wireless
communication system, between the display device 100 and another display device 100,
or between networks including the display device 100 and another display device 100
(or an external server) through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks
can be wireless personal area networks.
[0063] Herein, the other display device 100 can be a mobile terminal such as a wearable
device (for example, a smart watch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD))
or a smartphone, which is capable of exchanging data (or inter-working) with the display
device 100. The wireless communication unit 173 can detect (or recognize) a communicable
wearable device around the display device 100. Furthermore, if the detected wearable
device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device 100, the controller
170 can transmit at least part of data processed in the display device 100 to the
wearable device through the wireless communication unit 173. Accordingly, a user of
the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device 100 through the
wearable device.
[0064] The voice acquisition unit 175 can acquire audio. The voice acquisition unit 175
may include at least one microphone (not shown), and can acquire audio around the
display device 100 through the microphone (not shown).
[0065] The display 180 can convert image signals, data signals, or OSD signals, which are
processed in the controller 170, or images signals or data signals, which are received
in the external device interface unit 135, into R, G, and B signals to generate driving
signals.
[0066] Furthermore, the display device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is just one embodiment of the
present disclosure and thus, some of the components shown can be integrated, added,
or omitted according to the specification of the actually implemented display device
100.
[0067] That is, if necessary, two or more components can be integrated into one component
or one component can be divided into two or more components and configured. Additionally,
a function performed by each block is to describe an embodiment of the present disclosure
and its specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0068] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike Fig. 1, the display
device 100 can receive images through the network interface unit 133 or the external
device interface unit 135 and play them without including the tuner 131 and the demodulation
unit 132.
[0069] For example, the display device 100 can be divided into an image processing device
such as a set-top box for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various
network services and a content playback device for playing contents inputted from
the image processing device.
[0070] In this case, an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure described below can be performed by one of the display device
described with reference to Fig. 1, an image processing device such as the separated
set-top box, and a content playback device including the display 180 and the audio
output unit 185.
[0071] The audio output unit 185 receives the audio processed signal from the controller
170 and outputs the sound.
[0072] The power supply unit 190 supplies the corresponding power throughout the display
device 100. In particular, the power supply unit 190 supplies power to the controller
170 that can be implemented in the form of a System On Chip (SOC), a display 180 for
displaying an image, and the audio output unit 185 for outputting audio or the like.
[0073] Specifically, the power supply unit 190 may include a converter for converting an
AC power source into a DC power source, and a dc / dc converter for converting a level
of the DC source power.
[0074] Then, referring to Figs. 2 and 3, a remote control device is described according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure and Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an actual configuration
of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0076] First, referring to Fig. 2, a remote control device 200 can include a fingerprint
recognition unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a user input unit 230, a
sensor unit 240, an output unit 250, a power supply unit 260, a storage 270, a control
unit 280, and a voice acquisition unit 290.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 2, the wireless communication unit 225 transmits/receives signals
to/from an arbitrary any one of display devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0078] The remote control device 200 can include an RF module 221 for transmitting/receiving
signals to/from the display device 100 according to the RF communication standards
and an IR module 223 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device
100 according to the IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control
device 200 can include a Bluetooth module 225 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from
the display device 100 according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Additionally,
the remote control device 200 can include an NFC module 227 for transmitting/receiving
signals to/from the display device 100 according to the Near Field Communication (NFC)
communication standards and a WLAN module 229 for transmitting/receiving signals to/from
the display device 100 according to the Wireless LAN (WLAN) communication standards
[0079] Additionally, the remote control device 200 can transmit signals containing information
on a movement of the remote control device 200 to the display device 100 through the
wireless communication unit 220.
[0080] Moreover, the remote control device 200 can receive signals transmitted from the
display device 100 through the RF module 221 and if necessary, can transmit a command
on power on/off, channel change, and volume change to the display device 100 through
the IR module 223.
[0081] The user input unit 230 can be configured with a keypad button, a touch pad, or a
touch screen. A user can manipulate the user input unit 230 to input a command relating
to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200. If the user input unit
230 includes a hard key button, a user can input a command relating to the display
device 100 to the remote control device 200 through the push operation of the hard
key button. This will be described with reference to Fig. 3.
[0082] Referring to Fig. 3, the remote control device 200 can include a plurality of buttons.
The plurality of buttons can include a fingerprint recognition button 212, a power
button 231, a home button 232, a live button 233, an external input button 234, a
voice adjustment button 235, a voice recognition button 236, a channel change button
237, a check button 238, and a back button 239.
[0083] The fingerprint recognition button 212 can be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fingerprint recognition
button 212 can perform a push operation and receive a push operation and a fingerprint
recognition operation. The power button 231 can be button for turning on/off the power
of the display device 100. The power button 232 can be button for moving to the home
screen of the display device 100. The live button 233 can be a button for displaying
live broadcast programs. The external input button 234 can be button for receiving
an external input connected to the display device 100. The voice adjustment button
235 can be button for adjusting the size of a volume outputted from the display device
100. The voice recognition button 236 can be a button for receiving user's voice and
recognizing the received voice. The channel change button 237 can be a button for
receiving broadcast signals of a specific broadcast channel. The check button 238
can be a button for selecting a specific function and the back button 239 can be a
button for returning to a previous screen.
[0084] Again, Fig. 2 is described.
[0085] If the user input unit 230 includes a touch screen, a user can touch a soft key of
the touch screen to input a command relating to the display device 100 to the remote
control device 200. Additionally, the user input unit 230 can include various kinds
of input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll key and a jog key, and
this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0086] The sensor unit 240 can include a gyro sensor 241 or an acceleration sensor 243 and
the gyro sensor 241 can sense information on a movement of the remote control device
200.
[0087] For example, the gyro sensor 241 can sense information on an operation of the remote
control device 200 on the basis of x, y, and z axes and the acceleration sensor 243
can sense information on a movement speed of the remote control device 200. Moreover,
the remote control device 200 can further include a distance measurement sensor and
sense a distance with respect to the display 180 of the display device 100.
[0088] The output unit 250 can output image or voice signals corresponding to a manipulation
of the user input unit 235 or corresponding to signals transmitted from the display
device 100. A user can recognize whether the user input unit 235 is manipulated or
the display device 100 is controlled through the output unit 250.
[0089] For example, the output unit 250 can include an LED module 251 for flashing, a vibration
module 253 for generating vibration, a sound output module 255 for outputting sound,
or a display module 257 for outputting an image, if the user input unit 235 is manipulated
or signals are transmitted/received to/from the display device 100 through the wireless
communication unit 225.
[0090] Additionally, the power supply unit 260 supplies power to the remote control device
200 and if the remote control device 200 does not move for a predetermined time, stops
the power supply, so that power waste can be reduced. The power supply unit 260 can
resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the remote control device
200 is manipulated.
[0091] The storage 270 can store various kinds of programs and application data necessary
for a control or operation of the remote control device 200. If the remote control
device 200 transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device 100 and
the RF module 221, the remote control device 200 and the display device 100 transmits/receives
signals through a predetermined frequency band.
[0092] The control unit 280 of the remote control device 200 can store, in the storage 270,
information on a frequency band for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display
device 100 paired with the remote control device 200 and refer to it.
[0093] The control unit 280 controls general matters relating to a control of the remote
control device 200. The control unit 280 can transmit a signal corresponding to a
predetermined key manipulation of the user input unit 235 or a signal corresponding
to a movement of the remote control device 200 sensed by the sensor unit 240 to the
display device 100 through the wireless communication unit 225.
[0094] Additionally, the voice acquisition unit 290 of the remote control device 200 can
obtain voice.
[0095] The voice acquisition unit 290 can include at least one microphone 291 and obtain
voice through the microphone 291.
[0096] Then, Fig. 4 is described.
[0097] Fig. 4 is a view of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0098] Fig. 4A illustrates that a pointer 205 corresponding to the remote control device
200 is displayed on the display 180.
[0099] A user can move or rotate the remote control device 200 vertically or horizontally.
The pointer 205 displayed on the display 180 of the display device 100 corresponds
to a movement of the remote control device 200. Since the corresponding pointer 205
is moved and displayed according to a movement on a 3D space as show in the drawing,
the remote control device 200 can be referred to as a spatial remote controller.
[0100] Fig. 4B illustrates that if a user moves the remote control device 200, the pointer
205 displayed on the display 180 of the display device 100 is moved to the left in
correspondence thereto.
[0101] Information on a movement of the remote control device 200 detected through a sensor
of the remote control device 200 is transmitted to the display device 100. The display
device 100 can calculate the coordinates of the pointer 205 from the information on
the movement of the remote control device 200. The display device 100 can display
the pointer 205 to match the calculated coordinates.
[0102] Fig. 4C illustrates that while a specific button in the remote control device 200
is pressed, a user moves the remote control device 200 away from the display 180.
Thus, a selection area in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 can be
zoomed in and displayed largely.
[0103] On the other hand, if a user moves the remote control device 200 close to the display
180, a selection area in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 can be zoomed
out and displayed reduced.
[0104] On the other hand, if the remote control device 200 is away from the display 180,
a selection area can be zoomed out and if the remote control device 200 is close to
the display 180, a selection area can be zoomed in.
[0105] Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control device 200 is pressed, the
recognition of a vertical or horizontal movement can be excluded. That is, if the
remote control device 200 is moved away from or close to the display 180, the up,
down, left, or right movement cannot be recognized and only the back and forth movement
can be recognized. While a specific button in the remote control device 200 is not
pressed, only the pointer 205 is moved according to the up, down, left or right movement
of the remote control device 200.
[0106] Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer 205 can correspond
to the moving speed or moving direction of the remote control device 200.
[0107] Furthermore, a pointer in this specification means an object displayed on the display
180 in correspondence to an operation of the remote control device 200. Accordingly,
besides an arrow form displayed as the pointer 205 in the drawing, various forms of
objects are possible. For example, the above concept includes a point, a cursor, a
prompt, and a thick outline. Then, the pointer 205 can be displayed in correspondence
to one point of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis on the display 180 and also
can be displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points such as a line and a surface.
[0108] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a surround sound system according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0109] The surround sound system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may
include a display device 100 and at least one external speaker 300. The display device
100 may be THE display device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The external
speaker 300 may be a speaker connected with the display device 100 in a wired manner
or a wireless manner.
[0110] Hereinafter, although the external speaker 300 is assumed as a speaker connected
with the display device 100 through Bluetooth, this is provided only for the illustrative
purpose, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0111] Similarly, although the external speaker 300 is assumed as including a first external
speaker 300a and a second external speaker 300b, this is provided only for the illustrative
purpose, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, various
numbers of external speakers 300 may be connected with the display device 100.
[0112] When the display device 100 is connected with the first external speaker 300a and
the second external speaker 300b, the first external speaker 300a may be a Rear Left
speaker to output a sound corresponding to a rear left side and the second external
speaker 300b may be a Rear Right speaker to output a sound corresponding to a rear
right side.
[0113] In addition, the audio output unit 185 of the display device 100 may be a stereo-type
speaker to output a sound corresponding to a front left side and a sound corresponding
to a front right side. The audio output unit 185 may be an internal speaker of the
display device 100.
[0114] The balance between the internal speaker and the external speaker may be maintained,
and the balance between the external speakers may be maintained, such that the surround
sound system provides the optimal surround three-dimensional effect for a user.
[0115] However, when the level of any one of the sound output through the internal speaker
and the sound output through the external speaker is greater than or less than the
level of a remaining one, the balance may not be maintained.
[0116] In addition, when the model of the first external speaker 300a differs from the model
of the second external speaker 300b, the left and right balance may not be maintained.
[0117] In addition, even if the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker
300b have the same models, the balance between the first external speaker 300a and
the second external speaker 300b may not be maintained due to the installation positions
of the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b, or obstacles
or distances between the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker
300b.
[0118] Conventionally, a user used to personally manipulate each of the internal speaker
or the external speaker while personally listening to a test sound, so as to maintain
the balance between the internal speaker and the external speaker or the balance between
the external speakers. However, this case may cause the user to feel uncomfortable
because the user has to individually control the speakers.
[0119] Accordingly, the present disclosure is to provide a surround sound system capable
of adjusting balance through the cooperation between the internal speaker and at least
one external speaker.
[0120] Hereinafter, the balance between the internal speaker and the external speaker is
referred to as 'speaker balance', and the balance between the external speakers is
referred to as 'surround balance'. The balance may be referred to as at least one
of 'speaker balance' or 'surround balance'.
[0121] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the controller
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0122] The controller 170 may include a decoder 171, a PCM render module 172, an internal
speaker sound engine module 174, and an external speaker sound engine module 177.
[0123] The decoder 171 may decode an audio signal corresponding to an image.
[0124] The PCM render module 172 may convert the decoded audio signal into a PCM signal.
[0125] The PCM signal may include data obtained through Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) conversion
such that the decoded audio signal is transmitted to the audio output unit 185 or
the external speaker 300.
[0126] The PCM manner may be a manner of converting an analog signal into a digital bitstream
through sampling, quantizing, and coding, and of transmitting the converted signal.
[0127] The PCM render module 172 may transmit the converted PCM signal to the internal speaker
sound engine module 174 and the external speaker sound engine module 177.
[0128] The internal speaker sound engine module 174 may apply a sound field effect suitably
to a sound to be output from the audio output unit 185.
[0129] The internal speaker sound engine module 174 may process the volume in response to
the PCM signal and send the PCM signal to an amplifier (not illustrated) such that
the PCM signal is amplified based on the processed volume. The audio output unit 185
may output the sound amplified by the amplifier (not illustrated).
[0130] The external speaker sound engine module 177 may apply a sound field effect suitably
to a sound to be output from the external speaker 300. In addition, the external speaker
sound engine module 177 may filter only components necessary for a surround sound.
[0131] The external speaker sound engine module 177 may transmit a surround sound to the
external speaker 300 through Bluetooth communication. The external speaker 300 may
output a surround sound received through the external speaker sound engine module
177.
[0132] Meanwhile, the external speaker sound engine module 177 may apply a gain to each
channel before transmitting the sound to the external speaker 300. In other words,
the external speaker sound engine module 177 may apply the same gain or different
gains to the external speakers 300.
[0133] The external speaker sound engine module 177 may convert data of the PCM signal such
that a gain is applied to a PCM signal received from the PCM render module 172, and
then may transmit the converted data to the external speaker 300.
[0134] The gain may refer to the level of the sound necessary to be adjusted depending on
balance setting information.
[0135] The controller 170 may further include a balance controller 400.
[0136] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the balance controller
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0137] The balance controller 400 includes at least some or all of balance setting unit
401, an external speaker manager 403, a balancing method determiner 405, a volume
table generator 407, and an external speaker controller 409.
[0138] The balance setting unit 401 may receive information (level adjusting information)
for adjusting the level for speaker balance or surround balance.
[0139] For example, the balance setting unit 401 may receive an input for adjusting the
sound level of any one of the internal speaker and the external speaker to be greater
or less than the sound level of a remaining one of the internal speaker and the external
speaker. For another example, the balance setting unit 401 may receive an input for
adjusting the sound level of any one of the external speakers to be greater than or
less than the sound level of another external speaker of the external speakers.
[0140] A method that the balance setting unit 401 receives the level adjusting information
will be described again with reference to FIG. 9 later.
[0141] The external speaker manager may store connection information and setting information
of the external speaker 300. The external speaker manager 403 may store connection
information and setting information of an external speaker 300 that was connected
with the display device 100 or that is being connected with the display device 100.
[0142] The setting information may include an output volume and a volume table of each external
speaker 300.
[0143] The balancing method determiner 405 may determine a method for adjusting the output
volume of the external speaker 300. The balancing method determiner 405 may adjust
the output volume of the external speaker 300 by adjusting the device volume of the
external speaker 300 or applying a gain to the PCM signal transmitted to the external
speaker 300.
[0144] The balancing method determiner 405 may control the external speaker controller 409
such that the external speaker 300 changes the device volume, when determining the
method for adjusting the device volume of the external speaker 300, as a method for
adjusting the output volume of the external speaker 300. The external speaker controller
409 may transmit a signal, which is used for controlling the external speaker 300
to change the device volume, to the external speaker 300.
[0145] The balancing method determiner 405 may control the volume table generator 407 to
generate a volume table, when determining the method for applying the gain to the
PCM signal as the method for adjusting the output volume of the external speaker 300.
The volume table generator 407 may determine a gain, which is used for adjusting the
speaker balance or the surround balance, for each external speaker 300 and may generate
the volume table based on the determined gain. The volume table will be described
in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C.
[0146] The volume table generator 407 may transmit the generated volume table to the external
speaker sound engine module 177. The external speaker sound engine module 177 may
apply a gain to the PCM signal based on the volume table, and transmit, to the external
speaker 300, the PCM signal converted based on the application of the gain.
[0147] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a display device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0148] The controller 170 may receive a command (balance adjusting command) for adjusting
balance.
[0149] The display 180 may display a screen (balance adjusting screen) for adjusting balance,
and the controller 170 may receive a balance adjusting command through the user input
interface unit 150 in the state that the balance adjusting screen is displayed.
[0150] The balance adjusting command may be a command (speaker balance adjusting command)
for adjusting the speaker balance or a command (surround balance adjusting command)
for adjusting the surround balance.
[0151] The controller 170 may receive at least one of the speaker balance adjusting command
and the surround balance adjusting command.
[0152] The controller 170 may determine whether the speaker balance adjusting command is
received (S3) and may determine whether the surround balance adjusting command is
received (S7).
[0153] Meanwhile, the sequences of the step of determining whether the speaker balance adjusting
command is received and the step of determining whether the surround balance adjusting
command is received may be changed.
[0154] When the speaker balance adjusting command is received, the controller 170 may adjust
the sound level of the external speakers based on the sound level of the internal
speaker (S5).
[0155] When the speaker balance adjusting command is received, the controller 170 may simultaneously
adjust a plurality of external speakers 300 such that the output volumes of the plurality
of external speakers 300 may be increased or decreased by equal volume levels.
[0156] In detail, when the speaker balance adjusting command is received, the controller
170 may set speaker balance such that the sound of the external speaker is increased
or decreased based on the sound of the internal speaker in response to the speaker
balance adjusting command, and may adjust the output volume of the external speaker
300 based on the set speaker balance.
[0157] Meanwhile, when the surround balance adjusting command is received, the controller
170 may adjust the sound level between the external speakers 300 (S9).
[0158] When the surround balance adjusting command is received, the controller 170 may control
at least one of the plurality of external speakers 300 such that the output volume
of any one of the plurality of external speakers 300 is increased or decreased as
compare to the output volume of another speaker of the plurality of external speakers.
[0159] In detail, when receiving the surround balance adjusting command, the controller
170 may set the surround balance such that the sound of any one of the plurality of
external speakers 300a and 300b is decreased or increased based on the sound of another
one of the plurality of external speakers 300a and 300b, in response to the surround
balance adjusting command, and may adjust the output volume of the external speaker
300 based on the set sound balance.
[0160] For example, when the plurality of external speakers 300 has various maximum powers,
the controller 170 may adjust the surround balance.
[0161] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the balance adjusting screen displayed by the display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0162] The balance adjusting screen may include at least one of a speaker balance adjusting
icon 91 or a surround balance adjusting icon 93.
[0163] The display 180 may display at least one of the speaker balance adjusting icon 91
or the surround balance adjusting icon 93.
[0164] The speaker balance adjusting icon 91 may be an icon for increasing or decreasing
the sound level of the external speaker 300 based on the sound level of the internal
speaker.
[0165] The sound of the internal speaker may refer to the level of the sound output through
the audio output unit 185. The sound level of the internal speaker may be varied depending
on the setting volume of the display device 100.
[0166] A first end of the speaker balance adjusting icon 91 may indicate the internal speaker
(the internal speaker of the TV) and a second end of the speaker balance adjusting
icon 91 may indicate an external speaker ('Bluetooth'). The second end may be positioned
in opposite to the first end. The speaker balance adjusting icon 91 may include an
indicator 91a.
[0167] The controller 170 may receive a command for changing the position of the indicator
91a through the user input interface unit 150. The controller 170 may set the speaker
balance such that the sound of the external speaker is decreased based on the sound
of the internal speaker as the indicator 91a approaches the first end of the first
and second ends and may set the speaker balance such that the sound of the external
speaker is increased based on the sound of the internal speaker, as the indicator
91a approaches the second end of the first and second ends.
[0168] The surround balance adjusting icon 93 may be an icon to increase or decrease the
sound level of any one of the external speakers 300a and 300b based on the sound level
of a remaining one of the external speakers 300a and 300b.
[0169] The first end of the surround balance adjusting icon 93 may indicate the first external
speaker 300a ("Bluetooth 1') and the second end of the surround balance adjusting
icon 93 may indicate the second external speaker 300b ('Bluetooth 2). Similarly, the
second end is positioned in opposition to the first end, and the surround balance
adjusting icon 93 may include an indicator 93a.
[0170] The controller 170 may receive a command for changing the position of an indicator
93a on the surround balance adjusting icon 93 through the user input interface unit
150. The controller 170 may set the surround balance such that the sound of the first
external speaker 300a is more increased as compared to the sound of the second external
speaker 300b as the indicator 93a approaches the first end of the first and second
ends. The controller 170 may set the surround balance such that the sound of the second
external speaker 300b is more increased as compared to the sound of the first external
speaker 300a as the indicator 93a approaches the second end of the first end and the
second end.
[0171] After setting the speaker balance or the surround balance, the controller 170 may
adjust the output volume of at least one of the plurality of external speakers 300
according to the speaker balance or the surround balance.
[0172] When the speaker balance is set, the controller 170 may adjust the output volumes
of all external speakers 300.
[0173] When the surround balance is set, the controller 170 may adjust the output volumes
of some of the external speakers 300.
[0174] In addition, when adjusting the output volume of the external speaker 300, the controller
170 may first determine whether the device volume of the external speaker 300 is able
to be adjusted. When the device volume of the external speaker 300 is able to be adjusted,
the controller 170 may adjust the output volume of the external speaker 300 through
a command for adjusting the device volume of the external speaker 300.
[0175] When the device volume of the external speaker 300 is not able to be adjusted, the
controller 170 may adjust the output volume of the external speaker 300 by applying
a gain to the PCM signal transmitted to the external speaker 300.
[0176] Alternatively, although the controller 170 may adjust the device volume of the external
speaker 300, when the device volume corresponds to the maximum (max) volume or the
minimum (min) volume, the controller 170 applies a gain to the PCM signal transmitted
to the external speaker 300, thereby adjusting the output volume of the external speaker
300.
[0177] In this case, the output volume of the external speaker 300 may refer to the volume
of the sound directly output from the external speaker 300. The output volume of the
external speaker 300 may be determined based on the device volume of the external
speaker 300 and the data of the PCM signal transmitted to the external speaker 300.
[0178] The device volume of the external speaker 300 may refer to a volume size set in the
external speaker 300. In other words, the device volume of the external speaker 300
may be distinguished from the setting volume of the display device 100.
[0179] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating that the display device adjusts the device volume
of the external speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0180] Referring to FIG. 10, the device volume of the external speaker 300 may be set to
any one step from first step to 20th step. However, the 20 steps are provided for
the illustrative purpose, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0181] For example, the controller 170 may receive the surround balance adjusting command
to change the position of the indicator 93a on the surround balance adjusting icon
93 to be at a first point closer to the first end of the first and second ends. In
this case, the device volume of the first external speaker 300a may be set to the
20th step among 20 steps and the device volume of the second external speaker 300b
may be set to the 18th step among the 20 steps. In this case, the first external speaker
300a may output the sound at the level of -1 dB, and the second external speaker 300b
may output the sound at the level of -2 dB.
[0182] When receiving the surround balance adjusting command to change the position of the
indicator 93a on the surround balance adjusting icon 93 to be at a second point closer
to the first end as compared to the first point, the device volume of the first external
speaker 300a may be set to the 20th step among 20 steps and the device volume of the
second external speaker 300b may be set to a step lower than the 18th step among the
20 steps.
[0183] In other words, the controller 170 may control the external speaker controller 409
such that the device volume of the second external speaker 300b is more reduced as
compared to the device volume of the first external speaker 300a, as the indicator
93a on the surround balance adjusting icon 93 approaches the first step.
[0184] Meanwhile, as described above, according to an embodiment, the controller 170 may
adjust the surround balance by adjusting the device volume of any one (e.g., the second
speaker 300b) of the external speakers 300a and 300b to be reduced. In addition, when
the device volume of any one (e.g., the second external speaker 300b of the external
speakers 300a and 300b) is reduced to the minimum volume, the controller 170 may adjust
the surround balance by increasing the device volume of another speaker 300a (e.g.,
the first external speaker 300a).
[0185] According to another embodiment, the controller 170 may adjust the surround balance
by greatly adjusting the device volume of any one (e.g., the external speaker 300a)
of the plurality of external speakers 300a and 300b. Further, in this case, when the
device volume of any one (e.g., the first external speaker 300a) of the plurality
of external speakers 300a and 300b is increased to the maximum volume, the controller
170 may adjust the surround balance by reducing the device volume of another one (e.g.,
the second external speaker 300b) of the plurality of external speakers 300a and 300b.
[0186] As described above, the controller 170 may change the output volumes of the first
external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b by adjusting the device
volumes of the first external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b.
[0187] Accordingly, it may be minimized to output the device volume of the first external
speaker 300a and the device volume of the second external speaker 300b at mutually
different sound levels even through the device volume of the first external speaker
300a is equal to the device volume of the second external speaker 300b, as the first
external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b have mutually different
models. Further, in this case, there may be overcome a problem that a user hears a
sound at a sound level varied depending on the installation environments of the first
external speaker 300a and the second external speaker 300b. In addition, a user may
more easily adjust the sound balance between the external speakers 300a and 300b using
the surround balance adjusting icon 93 even if the output volume of the first external
speaker 300a and the output volume of the second external speaker 300b are not adjusted.
[0188] Meanwhile, the controller 170 may adjust the output volume of the external speaker
300 without limiting in the adjusting of the sound balance, by controlling the external
speaker controller 409 to change the device volume of the external speaker 300, even
if the speaker balance is adjusted.
[0189] The controller 170 may adjust the output volume of the external speaker by applying
the gain to the PCM, when the device volume of the external speaker 300 is not controllable,
or when the device volume of the external speaker 300 is not adjustable any more as
the device volume of the external speaker 300 corresponds to the maximum/minimum volume,
though the device volume of the external speaker 300 is controllable.
[0190] In other words, when the setting volume of the external speaker 300 is not adjustable,
the controller 170 may adjust the speaker balance by adjusting the PCM signal transmitted
to the external speaker 300.
[0191] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a method for applying a PCM signal gain in the display
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0192] Referring to FIG. 11, the maximum power of the first external speaker 300a may be
1 Watt, and the maximum power of the second external speaker 300b may be 2 Watt. However,
this is provided for the illustrative purpose, and the present disclosure is not limited
thereto.
[0193] In addition, it is assumed that the setting volume of the display device 100 is any
one from 0 to 100. The setting volume of the display device 100 may refer to the volume
of the display device 100 set by the user.
[0194] For example, the controller 170 may adjust the PCM gain of the first external speaker
300a to be a value from 0 (or -x dB) to 0 dB when the setting volume of the display
device 100 is increased to the value from 0 to 1000. Similarly, the controller 170
may adjust the PCM gain of the second external speaker 300b to be a value from 0 (or
-x dB) to 0 dB when the setting volume of the display device 100 is increased to the
value from 0 to 100. However, in this case, since the power of the first external
speaker 300a is different from the power of the second external speaker 300b, the
level of the sound output from the first external speaker 300a may be different from
the level of the sound output from the second external speaker 300b.
[0195] When the setting volume of the controller 170 is increased to a value from 0 to 100,
the controller 170 may change the PCM gain of the second external speaker 300b such
that the PCM gain of the second external speaker 300b is increased to a value from
0 (or -x dB) to -1 dB. In this case, the sound level output from the second external
speaker 300b is decreased, so the sound level output from the first external speaker
300a may be equal to the sound level output from the second external speaker 300b.
[0196] The PCM gain may indicate the sound level set to adjust the sound level output from
the external speaker 300. For example, the PCM gain of -1 dB may refer to that the
sound to be output from the external speaker 300 has to be adjusted by -1 dB.
[0197] FIG. 12A is a view illustrating a volume table to describe the method that the display
device adjusts the sound level of the external speaker, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0198] When the setting volume of the display device 100 is in a value from 0 to 100, PCM
control volumes may be mapped to relevant setting volumes, respectively. For example,
when the setting volume of the display device 100 is 0, the PCM control volume is
0, which means that the PCM signal is generated such that the output volume of the
external speaker 300 becomes 0. When the setting volume of the display device 100
is 1, the PCM control volume is -30 dB, which means that the PCM signal is generated
such that the output volume of the external speaker 300 is -30 dB. Similarly, when
the setting volume of the display device 100 is 100, the PCM control volume is 0 dB,
which means that the PCM signal is generated such that the output volume of the external
speaker 300 is 0 dB.
[0199] As described above, the controller 170 may store the volume table in which the setting
volume of the display device 100 is mapped to the PCM control volume.
[0200] In addition, the controller 170 may generate a volume table in which a PCM gain is
additionally mapped to the setting volume and the PCM control volume of the display
device 100.
[0201] In this case, the volume table may include data obtained by mapping the setting volume,
the PCM control volume based on the setting volume, and the PCM gain.
[0202] For example, when the setting volume of the display device 100 may be 1, the PCM
control volume is -30 dB and the PCM gain is -1 dB, which means that the PCM signal
is generated such that the output volume of the external speaker 300 is -31 dB. Similarly,
when the setting volume of the display device 100 may be 100, the PCM control volume
is 0 dB, and the PCM gain is -1 dB, which means that the controller 170 generates
the PCM signal such that the output volume of the external speaker 300 is -1 dB.
[0203] As described above, the controller 170 may control the output volume from the external
speaker 300 by generating the PCM signal based on the PCM gain when the data of the
PCM signal transmitted to the external speaker is generated.
[0204] Meanwhile, in FIG. 12A, although the PCM gain is constant as -1 dB, this is provided
for the illustrative purpose. The PCM gains may be set differently depending on the
setting volume of the display device 100.
[0205] In addition, the controller 170 may variously store the volume table depending on
the external speaker 300. For example, the controller 170 may store the volume table
for the first external speaker 300a and the volume table for the second external speaker
300b.
[0206] FIG. 12B is a view illustrating a PCM curve applied to the display device, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0207] The PCM curve may refer to the level of the sound output from the external speaker
300 when the PCM signal is transmitted to the external speaker 300 with the PCM control
volume based on the setting volume of the display device 100.
[0208] Such a PCM curve may be changed as the PCM gain is added to the volume table.
[0209] Referring to FIG. 12B, the first PCM curve 11-1 may be a curve indicating the output
volume of the external speaker 300 in which only the PCM control volume is reflected.
In addition, when the PCM gain is set such that the output volume of the external
speaker 300 is decreased, the second curve 11-2 may be a curve indicating the output
volume of the external speaker 300, and the third curve 11-3 may be a curve indicating
the output volume of the external speaker 300 when the PCM gain is set such that the
output volume of the external speaker 300 is increased.
[0210] For example, when receiving a speaker balance adjusting command for changing the
position of the indicator 91a on the speaker balance adjusting icon 91 to be at the
first point closer to the first end of the first and second ends, the controller 17
may change the PCM curve from the first curve 11-1 to the second curve 11-2.
[0211] To the contrast, when receiving a speaker balance adjusting command for changing
the position of the indicator 91a on the speaker balance adjusting icon 91 to be at
the second point closer to the second end of the first and second ends, the controller
17 may change the PCM curve from the first curve 11-1 to the third curve 11-2.
[0212] As described above, the controller 170 may adjust the output volume of the speaker
300 by applying the PCM gain when adjusting the speaker balance or the surround balance.
[0213] Meanwhile, as the PCM curve is changed, a saturation section in which the output
volume of the external speaker 300 exceeds the maximum volume (100%) may be made.
In this case, the controller 170 may correct the PCM curve to prevent the saturation
section.
[0214] FIG. 12C is a view illustrating a method that the display device corrects the PCM
curve, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0215] The controller 170 may change the PCM curve from a first curve 12-1 to a second curve
12-2. In this case, the output volume of the external speaker 300 may exceed the maximum
volume (100%) in some section. In this case, the sound output from the external speaker
300 may be distorted and cracked. Accordingly, the controller 170 may correct the
PCM curve such that the output volume becomes the maximum volume in the saturation
section.
[0216] In other words, the controller 170 may correct the PCM signal such that the output
volume of the external speaker 300 is equal to or less than the maximum volume when
the PCM signal transmitted to the external speaker 300 is adjusted.
[0217] In addition, according to the present disclosure, when the PCM signal is adjusted,
it is unnecessary to change and process the setting volume of the display device 100.
[0218] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present
disclosure, and various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure.
[0219] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the
technical spirit of the present disclosure but to illustrate the technical idea of
the present disclosure, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not
limited by these embodiments.
[0220] The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appending
claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed
as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.